The left back question

Kurt. · February 10, 2016

So........ what was the answer ? come on ... the suspense is killing me.

Woolly Blue · February 10, 2016

BlueLlama said:
I think Oviedo has come back stronger than perhaps Bobby thought. I haven't really followed how GRbutt is doing but am going to QPR v Fulham so hopefully I'll get to see him. Maybe another loan to a lower premiership club next season?

I think it's tough to judge Garbutt's progress at the moment because of his injury, but he's playing regularly now so should be settling back into a match routine. In in ideal world he'd go out on loan again next season, which would leave Oviedo and Baines to it to fight for first choice here. But Baines has probably got another two seasons at top level after this one though, which might mean Garbutt will be looking for something permanent in the summer ?

sageyefc · February 10, 2016

Just loan Garbutt out again, hes on a long contract and another full season of regular football would cause no harm. Hes not a patch on baines or oviedo yet so no point in him spending a season on the bench

Woolly Blue · February 10, 2016

Kurt said:
So........ what was the answer ? come on ... the suspense is killing me.

42

Kurt. · February 10, 2016

81.......... always

#4lyf

BlueToff · February 10, 2016

Baines and Oviedo

The Equaliser · February 10, 2016

ijjysmith said:
Nope. He's a brilliant left back and we have 65 midfielders.

Oh come on we only have 63. Please don't exaggerate.

ToffeeTim · February 10, 2016

Baines and Oviedo is the obvious answer.

Tree13 · February 10, 2016

sageyefc said:
Just loan Garbutt out again, hes on a long contract and another full season of regular football would cause no harm. Hes not a patch on baines or oviedo yet so no point in him spending a season on the bench

Is the right answer.

Kiwi · February 10, 2016

Bainesy and Bry, when Bry's come in he's always shown he's capable of performing at a really high level and giving Baines genuine competition for places. Has had a horror run with injuries however.
Garbutt to go on loan again.

CynicalBlue · February 10, 2016

Toffeeslam said:
Do you guys think that Baines can play a role on the left of midfield diamond ?

I think that's where Roberto might see him long term

No as he is an excellent left back. The only viable long term goal for Baines is to enjoy his retirement in a few years.

McMagic · February 10, 2016

Woolly Blue said:
Carrying on from a question @micknick asked in the Oviedo thread ...
If, next season, our squad only had two recognised left backs in it, which two would you prefer ?

For the sake of the argument, assume Galloway's a centre half who can fill in if needbe.

Baines & Shaw. (Ask a stupid question).

Shibbywiggles · February 10, 2016

Haven't seen anything to say Garbutt is better overall than Oviedo. Good crossing and set piece delivery but Bryan is faster and better at overlapping, defending and even cutting in on his right foot. ALSO Bryan can cover LM, RB and RM and he's the nicest man in the world! Must keep Oviedo.

sageyefc · February 10, 2016

McMagic said:
Baines & Shaw. (Ask a stupid question).

Shaws crap

mlyons · February 10, 2016

Garbutt's already 22. Where does the time go?

I worry about him a little. He seems like he's plateaued a bit. Seems just as injury prone as Oviedo, too. With Galloway on the books (and it sounds like young Connolly is a decent prospect, too), I'm a little less worried about the long term at left back, so the age difference between him and Oviedo just doesn't bother me. I expect Oviedo will get a one year extension, Garbutt will get sent out on loan again next season, and that'll be his make or break year. He needs to show he can be a regular on a Premier League side or absolutely tear up the Championship before I would even think about having him ahead of Galloway.